Renowned Islamic Scholar Malik-ul-Ulama Zafaruddin Bihari: A Life of Scholarship and Influence

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 26 July 2024 Allama Malik Muhammad Zafaruddin Bihari, affectionately known as Malik-ul-Ulama, left an indelible mark on Islamic scholarship in the 20th century. Born on October 19, 1885, in Bihar Sharif, India, he emerged as a pivotal figure within the Barelvi movement, a revivalist Sunni Islamic movement emphasizing traditional Islamic values and practices. Most famous book written by Zafaruddin Bihari is Hayat-e-Aala Hazrat, known as the first biography of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi. ----- Bihari began his educational journey at Madrasa Ghausia Hanafia under the guidance of Allama Wasi Ahmad Surati, later continuing his studies at Madrasa Manzar-e-Islam, founded by the eminent Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi. Under Imam Ahmed Raza Khan's tutelage, Bihari flourished, eventually becoming a manager at the institution. His early career as a teacher at Madrasa Manzar-e-Islam and Madrasa Hanafia in Allahabad set the stage for his future contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and theology. In 1912, Bihari joined the newly established Government Madrasa Shamsul Huda, where he excelled as a teacher of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Hadith (Prophetic traditions). His dedication and scholarly prowess led him to Khanqah Kabeeriya in 1916, followed by a return to Madrasa Shamsul Huda in 1920 and worked as Teacher there. Here, he served until his retirement in 1951, earning distinction as Shaykh-al Kul (Head Master) in 1947 and making enduring contributions to Islamic education. An ardent follower of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, Bihari was deeply rooted in the Qadriyya-Barkatiyya-Razviyya and Ashrafiyya Sufi orders, receiving Khilafat and Ijazat from Syed Muhammad Ashraf Kichhauchwi. His scholarship extended beyond teaching; he authored several influential works, including "Sahih-ul-Bihari," a comprehensive compilation of over 9000 hadiths spanning six volumes in support of Hanafi jurisprudence. "Hayat-e-Aala Hazrat," his acclaimed biography of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, and "Fatawa Malik-ul-Ulama," a collection of his legal opinions, further underscored his intellectual prowess and scholarly rigor. He had a strong hold on Ilm-al-Tauqeet, a field of science to understand the Timing of Namaz. Malik-ul-Ulama Zafaruddin Bihari passed away on November 18, 1962, at his residence, Zafar Manzil in Patna, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship and spiritual guidance. His burial in the Dargah premises of Shahganj and the leadership of his funeral prayer by Hazrat Allama Shah Ayyub Abdali Shahidi Rashidi Islampuri highlighted his profound influence and respect within the Islamic scholarly community. In commemorating the life and contributions of Malik-ul-Ulama Zafaruddin Bihari, we honour not only a distinguished scholar but a beacon of knowledge whose works continue to enlighten and inspire generations of students and seekers of Islamic wisdom worldwide. His devotion to preserving and promoting the teachings of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi and his profound scholarship in Hadith and Fiqh serve as enduring pillars of the Barelvi tradition in contemporary Islamic thought. ------ Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar of Sufism. He is affiliated with the Shyama Prasad Institute of Technology and Management, Kolkata. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/islamic-scholar-malik-ul-ulama-zafaruddin-bihari/d/132791 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism